Create a professional invoice for the United Kingdom in GBP, with VAT calculated at 20%. Below you’ll find what an invoice in the United Kingdom must include, current rates and local rules — plus a free generator already set up for the United Kingdom.
Prefilled with GBP and VAT 20% · PDF download · No sign-up
Invoicing in the United Kingdom at a glance
Currency
British Pound (GBP, £)
Consumption tax
VAT
Local name
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Standard rate
20%
Reduced rates
5%
Date format
DD/MM/YYYY (e.g. 28/10/2026)
Keep invoices for
6 years
Registration / small-business threshold
£90,000 taxable turnover in a rolling 12 months
Required information on an invoice in the United Kingdom
Make sure every invoice you issue in the United Kingdom includes:
Unique, sequential invoice number
Your business name and address
Your VAT registration number (if VAT-registered)
Invoice date and the time of supply (tax point) if different
Customer name and address
Description, quantity and unit price (excluding VAT) of each item
VAT rate charged per item and any discount
Total excluding VAT, total VAT and total payable
Rules and tips for the United Kingdom
VAT registration is compulsory once taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in a rolling 12-month period; below that you can register voluntarily. If not registered, do not show VAT on invoices.
For retail sales of £250 or less (incl. VAT) you may issue a simplified invoice.
Making Tax Digital requires VAT-registered businesses to keep digital records and file VAT returns with compatible software. The government has also announced plans to mandate B2B e-invoicing from 2029.
Limited companies must show their registered company name on invoices; including the company number and registered office address is standard practice.
Keep VAT records and invoices for at least six years.
Sample invoice for the United Kingdom
This is what a typical invoice looks like with GBP amounts and VAT applied. Create your own in the generator — your data never leaves your browser.
Sample
YC
Your Company
123 Business Street
United Kingdom
Tax ID: GB123456789
Invoice
Invoice no.
2026-0042
Date
01/10/2026
Due date
15/10/2026
Bill to
Client Company
45 Client Avenue, United Kingdom
Description
Qty
Unit price
Amount
Consulting services (hours)
10
£64.00
£640.00
Website design
1
£900.00
£900.00
Subtotal£1,540.00
VAT 20%£308.00
Total£1,848.00
Payment within 14 days by bank transfer. Thank you for your business!
Open the BillKit invoice generator using the button above — it is already set to GBP and VAT at 20%.
Add your business details: name, address and your tax or VAT registration number.
Enter your client’s name, address and (for business clients) their tax ID.
Give the invoice a unique sequential number, an issue date and a due date.
List each product or service with quantity and unit price; adjust the tax rate if a reduced rate or exemption applies.
Check the totals, add payment details, then download the PDF and send it to your client.
Frequently asked questions
What is the VAT rate in the United Kingdom?
The standard VAT rate in the United Kingdom is 20%. Reduced rates of 5% apply to certain goods and services.
Do I need to charge VAT on my invoices in the United Kingdom?
Generally yes, once you are registered for VAT. Businesses below the registration or small-business threshold (£90,000 taxable turnover in a rolling 12 months) usually do not charge VAT — in that case don’t show it on the invoice and, where required, state the exemption.
Which currency should I use on an invoice in the United Kingdom?
Invoices in the United Kingdom are normally issued in British Pound (GBP). You can usually invoice in a foreign currency, but many tax authorities require the tax amount to also be stated in the local currency.
How long do I need to keep invoices in the United Kingdom?
Keep copies of all issued and received invoices for at least 6 years.
What must an invoice in the United Kingdom include?
Key elements include: Unique, sequential invoice number; Your business name and address; Your VAT registration number (if VAT-registered); Invoice date and the time of supply (tax point) if different; Customer name and address.
⚠️ General information, not tax or legal advice. Rules change and may depend on your situation — confirm with a local tax adviser or the tax authority. Last reviewed October 2026.
